September 19th, 2024
New Zealand is gearing up to mark its newest public holiday, Matariki, for the second time, with nationwide celebrations already underway. The festive season was launched under the stars at the Dark Sky Sanctuary in Takapō.
A booklet containing karakia (prayers) for each of the nine stars of Matariki was unveiled during the event. This booklet is set to be distributed across schools and communities throughout the country, as New Zealand continues to embrace this unique occasion.
"In 2023, Te Rā Aro ki a Matariki will be officially celebrated on Friday 14 July," the government release stated.
Last year, Matariki was celebrated as an official public holiday for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the nation. Reflecting on the inaugural celebration, Māori Crown Relations Minister, Kelvin Davis, said, "It was a beautiful moment to see how the nation took joy in celebrating and embracing Matariki last year."
He further mentioned that approximately 87% of New Zealanders now have some understanding of Matariki, a statistic he labelled as "phenomenal".
“The job now is to embed the day into our calendar while ensuring it remains grounded in mātauranga Māori and upholds the key principles and values associated with Matariki,” Davis added.
Willow-Jean Prime, another government official, stressed that "Te Rā Aro ki a Matariki is part of the fabric of Aotearoa, a day we can proudly claim as our own and one that is for all New Zealanders".
She emphasised the importance of acknowledging mātauranga Māori and reflecting on the principles of remembering those who have passed, celebrating the present, and planning for the future.
Chief Advisor – Mātauranga Matariki, Professor Rangi Mātāmua, pointed out the importance of the new booklet as a resource to support families and communities in their preparations for Matariki.